FCC Announces Sept. 20 National EAS Test

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has set Sept. 20 as the date for the next nationwide test of EAS.  The bureau has set an Oct. 3 back-up date as a precaution in case circumstances prevent using the September date.

FEMA will initiate the test at 1:20 pm. CDT by disseminating the following message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS):

THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System.  This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. 

If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message.  A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones in the nation.  Some cell phones will receive the message.  Others will not.  No action is required.  The EAS alert will be transmitted in English and Spanish and include both audio and the text of the test message, which can be used to populate an accessible video crawl. 

TAB reminds stations that they are required to register with the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS) and must complete the filing of ETRS Form One on or before Aug. 27.  Stations must file the “day of test” information sought by ETRS Form Two on or before 10:59 p.m. CDT, Sept.20.  Stations must file the detailed post-test data sought by ETRS Form Three on or before Nov. 5. 

Filers can access ETRS by visiting the ETRS page of the FCC’s website.  Instructional videos regarding registration and completion of the ETRS Forms are available on the ETRS page.

Questions?  Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.